When University of Idaho professor Jan Johnson heard the American Indian Studies Program only had an event during fall semester, she was quick to brainstorm ideas for the spring.
That was in 2002. In 2003, Johnson started The Sapaatq”ayn Cinema Native American Film Festival.
The word “sapaatq”ayn” derives from the Nez Perce language and means “to display” or “a motion picture.”
Johnson
She said the film festival screens new and recently released documentary and feature films made by and about Native Americans. The festival is sponsored by the University of Idaho American Indian Studies Program.
“More people watch film than read literature,” Johnson said in regards to why she chose a film festival.
Johnson said their mission is to help Native American voices be heard. The films strive to make the contemporary Native American experience visible and meaningful to a broad audience.
“We welcome everybody,” Johnson said.
The festival will be held Friday and Saturday at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the opening ceremonies begin at 6:30 p.m., and will feature UI Vandal Nation Drum, UI Native American Student Association and Blackfoot leader and UI instructor Roger Vielle. The event is free and open to the public.
The films being shown on Friday are “Rebel Music: Native American Voices” beginning at 6:45 p.m. followed by “Songs My Brother Taught Me” beginning at 7:25 p.m.
On Saturday, the films being shown are “This May Be The Last Time,” which begins at 6:30 p.m., and “Drunktown”s Finest” beginning at 8:15 p.m.
Johnson said “Drunktown”s Finest” will be an especially interesting film because it was made by a transgender Navajo filmmaker and explores the topic of gender. This is a new topic in native culture, and Johnson said she is excited to see how the film will present the topic.
The film “Rebel Music: Native American Voices” looks at populations around the world that use music to voice messages that they believe the world needs to hear. The film is about 31 minutes long. “Songs My Brother Taught Me” is a 101 minute-long film about life on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. “This May Be The Last Time” is a 91-minute documentary directed by Sterlin Harjo that explores his grandfather”s disappearance all the while incorporating the Muscogee Creeks” adaptation of Christian hymns.
Johnson said she encourages everyone to go.
Johnson said the Native American people have fascinating stories to tell. She said it”s easy to buy into stereotypes about Native American culture, but by watching these films and hearing their stories, the audience will see how complex native cultures actually are.
“Widen your world,” Johnson said.
Marisa Casella can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @marisacasella1